Control apparatus for electrical heating units



n- 1954 w. H. VOGELSBERG 2,666,124

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING UNITS Filed April 25, 1950 /0 AL A 4 MT 6 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. I2, 1951 w. H. VOGELSBERG 2,666,124

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING UNITS Filed April 25, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Ulr W. H. VOGELSBERG CONTROL. APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING UNITS Jan. 12, 1954 Filed April 25, 1950 Jan. 12, 1954 w. H. VOGELSBERG CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING UNITS Filed April 25, 1950 Jan. 1954 w. H. VOGELSBERG 2,666,124

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING UNITS Filed April 25, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 MED/UM Patented Jan. l2, 1954 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL .HEATING UNITS Walter H. VogeIsberg, Glen Burniei Md., assignor to- Pro'ctor Electric Company, Philadelphia, Pat, a. corporation of Pennsylvania Application April 25; 1950;-Sei-ialNo. 157.933

'I'his invention relates to control devices and control systems for electric ranges. More par tieularly, the invention relates to' devices and" systems by which an electric range heating unit may be flashed to a selected temperature; and said heating unit may then be caused to operate under normal energization at an average rate of.

energization dependent upon the control setting 33'' the flashing of an electric heating vunit is meant overenergiz'ation of the unit to cause a rapid rise of temperature thereof to the: selected temperature.

The flashing of an electric heating unit to a selected temperature is broadly disclosed and claimed in. Patent No; 2,210,947 issued August. 13; 1940, to J. W. Myerset a1. Reference maybe hadto that patent for the broad principles underlying the present invention. Further, in my copending applications Serial. No. 81,936,. filed March 17, 1949, and Serial No. 87,462, filed April 14, 1949, now Patents Nos. 2,648,755 and 2,648,756 issued August 11, 195-3, specific types of control systems and switch structure are disclosed.

The present invention, although utilizing some of the teachings shown of these prior disclosures, contemplates as its main object an improved circult arrangement and the provision of anovel switch structure.

More specifically an object of the present invention is the provisionoi anovel switch structure featuring compactness, optimum utilization: 012 available space, economy of parts, interchangeability of parts wherever possible, and op-- timunr arrangement of parts for electrical: bus simplification;

Another object provides for replacing several of the switch members of the prior circuit arrangements with an automaticall controlled switch structure thus eiie'cting a saving in. switch parts and space and a simplification inmechanical design.

further object of one form. of this inveriti'on isto adapt to the flasher. circuit and correspondingswitch structure an arrangement for obtaining 100% inputlevel aiter termination' of the flash interval by connecting the electric heating unit directly across the supply line instead of through themain' control contacts which normally control, by cyclic opening and closing, the average wattage at the lower heat levels;

As will be brought out in the detailed description, the advantages of this improvement and" the particular mode ofi'nstituting it include in suring full input for the high position regardless of wear on the-contact surfaces;- and permitting 19 Claims. (Cl. 219-20) greater freedom: the design. of a wattage controller' which must also control the length of the flash interval. I

The advantages of this improvement and the particular mode of instituting it will be brought out in the detailed description.

Other objects and features of the invention will also be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig-1 is a schematic view of the control switch in circuit with an electric range heating unit, the contact blades of the-control device being shown in the off position;

Fig. Zshows the contact blades of the control switch of Fig. 1 in the flash position, the com trol knob being in the high heat position;

Fig. 3 shows the contact blades of the control device of Fig. 1 in the normal or run position at the"high heat positioning of the control knob; knob;

Figs. 4 and 5 are similar to Figs. 2 and 3 respectively, with the control knob in a position other than at highheat;

Fig. 6 is an isometric View of the assembled control switch, a portion-of the cover member being cutaway to show some of the detent detail;

' Fig. 7 is an isometric view of the rear of the control switch;

Fig. 8 is a front view" of the control switch with thecover member and thrust spring partiallycut aw y;

Fig. 9 is a view of the thrust spring;

b Fig. 10' shows the details of the barrier mem- Fig. 11 is a view looking into the switch case after the cover member and cam are removed;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view through the center of the control switch along line l2l2 of Fig. 11, with thecover member in position;

Fig. 13 is a rear view of the switch case;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view through the bottom ofthecontrol switch-along line I l-[4 of Fig. 11, showing. the compensator blade assembly;

Fig. 151s an'isometric view of the latch member;

Figs. 16" to 19 are sectional'views through the control switchalong the lines indicated in Fig. 11';

Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the control cam;

Fig; 21 is adevelopm'ent of the program on the control cam race which governsthe wattage inputs and flash intervals;

Fig; 2'2'is a cutaway section of the thermomot v'e mbe Fig. 23 is an isometric view of the compartment of the switch as shown in Fig. 17; and

Fig. 24 is a schematic view illustrating a modification of the apparatus.

GENERAL An understanding of the control switch and the novel features involved therein can best be had by first referring to the schematic diagrams of the circuit shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 shows a heating unit I, more particularly asurface unit for an electric range, having two sections la and lb connected to a supply line 2 through the control switch which is shown in phantom and is given the general designation 3. The control device includes a plurality of control cam members 4 to l which are shown as separate cams connected to a common control shaft 8 and operable through a single control knob 9. However, as will be indicated in the preferred structural embodiment, the camming function can be advantageously performed by a plurality of camming surfaces on a single face cam.

Cam 4 manipulates a continuously adjustable blade l between an off position and any one of a plurality of on positions and in so doing controls the position of a thermomotive member ll. This member comprises a bimetallic element l2 with a heater strip 13 fixed to the free end thereof and having a contact l4 also fixed thereto so that it may cooperate with a contact l on the free end of blade Ill.

Cam 5 operates a switch blade it, having contacts l1 and I8 fixed thereto, between an off position where it engages stationary contact l9. and an on position where it engages another stationary contact 20 and the free end of a flexible blade 2| which serves to energize a signal light (not shown) for indicating when the heating unit is. energized. The electrical connection to the other side of the signal light is the neu tral or common wire of the supply line (not shown).

Blade 22 and attached contacts 23 and 24 and a second blade 25 with its attached contacts 23 and 21 are also included in the control device and are movable in unison through extending arms 28 and 29 of a latch member 33 from a first position, which may be designated as the flash position wherein engagement is made with stationary contacts 3| and 32, to a second position which may be designated as the normal or run position wherein engagement is made with. stationary contacts 33 and 34. The latch member 30 is provided with a surface 30a for em gagement by cam B for manipulating said member and blades 22 and 25 controlled thereby into flash position (and for maintenance therein) when the control knob is turned to the off position. Manipulation of the latch member also permits a U-shaped prop 35 to fall into a propping position when the switch is turned to the off position. The prop 35 acts to hold the blades 22 and 25 in their flash position when the cam 6 is moved outof the way of the surface 33a on the latch 30. The prop 35 is a self-heating bimetallic member and is adapted to flex at its upper end out of the way of the latch an at the termination of the flash interval, permitting the blades 22 and 25 to move under their own bias to the position for normal or run operation.

The fourth control cam i is provided to coact with a switch member 3'6 through an extension 31 thereon. The switch member is normally biased away from a stationary contact 38, and cam 1 is arranged to force a contact 39 mounted at the end of switch member 36 into engagement with this stationary contact when the control knob 9 is set into position for high heat. The switch member 36 includes a bimetallic root portion 40 and an inactive portion 4| of which extension 31 is a part. A flexible lead 42 is connected from the bimetallic portion 40 to the base of the bimetal l2 at the thermomotive member II. The switch member 36, under a desired heat other than full or high, is arranged to flex at the beginning of a flash cycle by a selfheating eifect so as to establish connection with stationary contact 38, thereby connecting the prop member 35 in parallel across the control contacts l4 and I5. After flash termination, the

active portion 40 cools, thus separating contacts 38 and 33. 1

017 position-Fig. 1

In the off position of the control switch as shown in Fig. 1, it should be noted that the heating unit I is fully disconnected from both sides L1, L2 of supply line 2. Thus contacts l4 and I5 and contacts 38 and 39 are separated to disconnect one side of section lb; contact 33 and blade 22 and contact 20 and blade I6 are separated to d'wconnect the mid-tap of the two sections la and lb; and, further, contact 34 and blade 25 and contacts 38 and 39 are separated to disconnect the other end of section lb.

It should be noted that during "off conditioning oi the switch, continuity of circuit is provided to any additional loads like an oven circuit, designated by a resistor 43 and a switch 44. The circuit can be traced through L2 of the supply line, blade l3, contact I!) to the oven load 43 and back to line L1.

High heat or input-Jigs. 2 and 3 When the control knob is rotated to the high heat or 100% input position, the sections la and lb of the heating unit are arranged in parallel across the supply line L1, L2, and after a timed interval of overenergization as controlled by the thermostat ll these sections are arranged in series across the supply line at full rated wattage for the particular heating unit.

The mechanical manipulation efiected by rotation of the control knob 3 to the high heat position includes the moving of blade l6 into engagement with contact 20 and simultaneous energization of a signal or pilot lamp by contact with blade 2|; the imparting of a maximum displacement to blade l0 so as to require the greatest possible deflection at the thermostat ll before separation of contacts l4 and I5 could occur; a movement of switch member. into engagement with contact 38; and finally the removal of cam 6 from the latch member 30 so as to remove the physical restraint provided thereby and thus allow free movement thereof. The circuit can be traced in Fig. 2 from L1, through the adjustable blade Ill, contacts thence through the first of the parallel branches comprising the control bimetal l2, the flexible connection 42, the active portion 40 of switch member 36, contact 32, blade 25 and section la and the second branch comprising the heater l3 and the section lb; the total current then flows through contact 3|, contact blade 22, contact 20, blade l6 and thence to L2.

Due to the fact that the contacts l4 and I5 are closed, there is insufficient current flow l5 and 14,

QMBBJQQ through; the-abhnetallic prop-1 Mirtoicauseepercep tible self-heating thereof. The reason for this isLthati: the" contacts It and; I5; and. theflexible lead 41 effectively shorticircuiizthe prop 35' They current through theswitch. member 36. causes flexurer of.-said switch toward. contact closing position; but. in this particular control switch position such self-flexingisi not: relied: onfor closure: of contacts u' 311G239.

The period of over'energization causes rapid heating. of. theaheating unit I, supplying four times thenormal. energizati'on rateior. the particular heating unit. This'of courseapplieszto heating. units having sections of substantially equal resistances. A situationzin which the sections of the heating unit do not have equal: resistancezisadiscussed at length in: my copen'd'ing application; Serial No. 109,083,-filed: August 8; 1949,,now Patent No. 2;569,12ll issued September 25,1951. This latter type'or in the scopeof the present invention The length of. this .flashintervalat the high" heat depends on the mass-and dissipation: fac tors of theheating-iunit being usedzand. for cer tain conventional types hasbeen .found to re+ atvlengtht in -the: prior. art as the history heater eifecte This effect not only controls the length oftimefor flash on first vcyclathat is, starting irom cold, butcontrols the-length or flash on repeated' turning oii and: on: or the heating. unit. Reference may be made to, my patent No. 2,648,755, andv to. patentyNon 2,201,634; issued July. 9, 1940 toJ. W. Myers etaltior a morecom plete discussion I p a When the heating unit attains a? temperature substantially equal to the desired operating teirrperature, the thermomotive member. H heated by heater l3 ataratexproportional-to the heat ing of the heating unit,,efiects opening o con tacts I4 and [5. thereby passing tulluflashcurrent through the shunt circuit which includes the bimetal prop 35 and-contacts 38. and. 39.

Through self-heating; of, the bimetal prop, the latch member 3| is releasedfli'ign 3') and blades 22. and move into engagement with: contacts 33 and 34, respectively,. to effect normali energization of the heating unit.

- The circuit. connections are; now such: asto place the heating; unit sections series across the supply line. They can be traced as iollows in; Fig. 3 L1,. through: bimetal prop: SE-through contacts 38 and; 39 or the switch member,- through the rigid extension 41% flexible-connection 42, through control binrietal t2; heaterll, heating unit sections la and lb, through blade 25', contact 34; contact 33'; blade 22, contact 20, bladel6 and thencetoline' L2. Continuity of load. isprovided to the oven circuit. from. L2,

through. blade Ha, cont'actijl'fll blade. 22i,.contaots 33, and'thence through load 43 to line-L111...

It should be noted that during run the thermomotive member: Hr receives-sufficient; heat from current passing therethrough to. maintain the contacts M ami I5 separated,. that thesecdntacts are not relied upon for maintenance of I00%' energization, and that the bimetral prop is heated: continuously by the full current flowing through. theheating unit. Each of these application is with:-

Manipulation oithe. control: knob. 9 to a positionwhich calls. for less than the. input, commonly termed the "medium. high, "medil-z um, -I'ow, and simmer. heats. or. equivalent, eifectsengagement of contacts 8' and 20', energization of the signal light, removal of re!- strai'ntsfrom the latch member 30, and the setting. of the adjustable blade [I] and thermomotive member II according to the particularheat desired; The manipulations are therefore the same as with the high heat selectionexceptthat cam T does not efiect mechanical closure of con.- tact 38 and contact 39 on switch member 36. Circuit connections (Fig. 4) effected by this manipulation bring about parallel connection of the heating" unit sections [a and lb in a manner similar to that explained previously except that the biinetal prop 35' .is not instantaneously thrown in shunt with the control contacts ['4 and f5. Instead the current established through section'la of the heating. unit heats the active portion of the switch member 36 thereby flexing it so that engagement is made between contacts 3'8and 39. It was found that a time lag of approximately 3' seconds between starting of flash and closing of said contacts was entirely satisfactory.

The length of the overenergizati'on period is arranged to be proportionately less than that provided. for the high'heat, so thatthe heating unit will heat tosub'stantially thattemperature which is to be subsequently maintained. The

, adjustment of the blade Ill and thermomotive member I I provided through the cam. 4 simultaneously controlstwo factors: first, the amount of deflection. that thermomotivemember. It must achievefor contactsv M- and l5 to separate and thereby terminate flash. and, secondly, the average wattage necessary to supply the losses to the control bimetal [2 to maintain this deflection andthereby simultaneously control the average wattage to the heating. unit connected in series therewith.

Termination of the flash cycle is brought about by. passage of the flash-- current through the bimetal prop 35 and contacts 38 and-39 as-previously described. At the endof the flash cycle (Fig; 5') there is no longer any current flowing through the bimetallic portion 4U of the switching member 36. Thus this member coolsv and returns to its normally biased position wherein contacts 38 and 39 are separated The circuit; established during normal energizetion can. be traced in Fig. 5 from line Li through the control contacts ['4 and I5, heater l3, heating unit sections lb and" la in series, through blade 25, contact 3'4, contact 33, blade 7'2, contact 20; blade ['6 and. thence through to line L2. The circuit differs from that established during 100% input in. that the current established through the heating unit travels through the controlcontacts l4 and l5; The thermomoti've member H cyclically opens; and closes the contacts M" and f5 to control the" average heat to the heating unit.

Dctaz'lsro switclrconstruction' G'eneraZ.'SWITCH CASE, covnreunn'rnnrs AND CAM The structural embodiment of. the control switch to be described. below. will: be best understood by correlating, the various. member with their: schematic equivalents. in: Figs.- l to 5. The switch structure is thesubiect of; divisional ap The control switch 3 is shown in Figs. 6 to 8' to comprise a switch case 50 molded preferably from an asbestos-filled high heat-resistance phenolic compound, a metallic cover member and a control knob 9 equipped with suitable indicia' so that the user may select the average heat desired for the heating unit I. Disposed between the cover 5| and the various switch members in the control case 50 is a barrier member 52 (see Fig. made preferably of an electrical insulating material such as a linen base laminated phenolic.

In Fig. 6 which shows the control switch 3 with the control knob 9 partially cut away, the cover member 5| is shown provided with two threaded holes 53 and 54 for convenient fastening to the control panel of an electric range or the like. Screws 55 are further provided for fastening the cover 5! to the control case 50, while cutouts 56 in said cover coact with suitable projections 51 on the control case for accurately aligning the cover thereon. A hole 58 at the lower end of the cover 5| provides easy access to the zero adjustment for the control members I0 and II as will be explained hereinafter.

The cover member 5| forms a journal mounting at 59 (see Fig. 12) for a control cam member 60 and in addition houses detent spring members 6| and 62 and a thrust spring member 63 for holding the cam member 66 bottomed against the rear of the control case. The control cam 60 (Fig. comprises a metallic shaft member 64 insert molded into a non-metallic portion 65 of phenol condensation product similar to that used for the switch case50. The shaft member 64 is provided with a flat portion 66 for indexin the control knob 9 into its proper position and a milled slot 61 so that the control knob may be friction-held against longitudinal movement along the shaft. The molded portion 65 (start ing at its lower end) is shown in Figs. Hand 20 to include a pilot portion 68 which is received in a hole 69 in the switch case, a camming race 1 disposed near the plane of the rear of the switch case, a cylindrical portion 1|, a disc-like portion 12 having camming races 4, 5 and 6 disposed as concentric rings on one face thereof, a second cylindrical portion 13 having a plurality of small detents 14 and a single larger detent 15 (Fig. 8), a shoulder portion 16, and a journal area 11.

The detent springs 6| and 62 which cooperate with detents 14 and 15 are identical spring steel members having cut-out end portions 18 for coacting with lanced portions 19 (Fig. 6) on the sides of the cover member and arcuate central portions 80 placed facing in the same direction to get the proper detent action. Detent spring 6| effects a soft detenting action when coacting with detents 14 and a heavy detent action at a position corresponding to off is had by coacting with detent 15. The other detent spring 62 is placed so that the arcuate portion nestles over the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 13. Thus it does not specifically add to the detent action except for some frictional effect but instead acts to counterbalance some of the large impact forces exerted on the metallic bearing 59 and non-metallic journal 11 during rotation of the control knob. It should be mentioned that the detent springs before insertion in the switch cover are substantially flat members. Also it should be observed that these spring have their 8. ends spacedat different distances from the cen'- ter line of the shaft. The arrangement is such that the force exerted by spring 62 i approximately the mean between the maximum and minimum forces exerted by spring 6| when going from the smaller detent 14 to the larger detent 15' positions. The soft detent positions correspond respectively to a high heat at input and to approximately 50% input for a medium high heat, 37% input for a medium heat, 20% input for a low heat, and 8% input for a simmer heat. Of course intermediate posi-. tions are available, for the soft detents do not prevent the control knob from being placed at an angular position between the detenting grooves.

The thrust spring 63 is placed between the cover and the detent springs 6|, 62 having foot portions 8| (see Fig. 9) which bearagain'st the inside face of the cover and a central face 82 which bears against the shoulder portion16 of the control cam. Hole 83 is a clearance hole for the shaft 64 while holes 64 provide clearance for the screws (not shown) used for mounting the control switch 3 to an electric range.

The barrier member 52 as shown in Fig. 10 shields the switch members from the metallic cover member 5| and detent springs 6| and. It is, however, provided with clearance cutouts 52a, 52b and 520 to accommodate the projections 51, the screw fastenings 55 and the screw fastening and zero adjustment aperture. A large cutout at 5211 permits assembly of the barrier around the cylindrical portion 13 of cam 60 without removal of the cam from the cover member 5|.

1 With the cover member 5| barrier member 52, and cam6ll removed from the control case 50 (Fig. 11) the various switch members or portions thereof which are at least in part controlled by the control cam surfaces are shown disposed in four compartments in said control case. The outermost cam surface 4 which possesses the longest annular path on the disc-like section 12 is preferably used to manipulate the adjustable blade l0 and thermomotive member ll disposed at the extreme left of the switch. Blade |6 (gen-,

erally referred to as the on-off blade) is disposed on the opposite side of the switch and is actuated by the next cam race 5. The third cam race 6 manipulates the latch member 30 mounted directly above the center of the switch and so controls the position of blades 22 and 25 disposed on each side of the switch center. Below blade 25 (Figs. 17 and 23) in the same compartment therewith is the switch member 36 having its extensions 31for actuation by the last control cam race 1. It should be noted that the switch blades are normally biased outward toward the actuating surface of the cam. Thus the positioning of the switch blades depends on the longitudinal positioning of said surfaces with respect to, some datum onthe switch case with which they are maintained in unvarying relationship by the thrust spring arrangement 63 mentioned hereinbefore. H

Adjustable blade and thermomotive member The thermostatic switch constituted by thermostat II and adjustable blade I0 is the subject of my copending application Serial No. 157,932, filed April 25, 1950, now Patent 2,623,137, issued December 23, 1952. Sufficient description thereof igill be given here for the purpose of this inven- As shown in Fig. 16, the continuously adjustases-m4 able blade I is supported'at the end of a flexible mounting member 85, and the. thermomotive member I I is fixed to the outside rearof the control case. The blade 10 is a rather heavy metallic member-having a lanced'portion 86 for coaction with the control surface ll of control cam 60 and an offset portion 81 for engagement with a compensator element 88 disposed across the bottom of the control case 50. The flexible mounting member 86 is preferably of silicon copper alloy, being formed as a generally L-sha'ped member and having one end fixed at the center of the switch by means of a rivet member 89 (Fig. 12) while the free end is both riveted at 90 and welded between contact-l and the top end of blade at 9|. The rivet member 89 extends through the switch case holding a barrier member 92, formed preferably from a fabric base laminated phenolic, against the inside rear of the switch case, beneath the flexible mounting member 85 and connects on the outside rear of the switch case to a terminal member 93.

The compensator 88, as shown in Figs. 151 and 14, is of bimetallic material being placed into position with its high expansion facing toward the rear of the switch case. This bimetallic memberspans the'width of the control case, being fulcrumed on a projection 94 and coacting with the blade I0 at one end and bearing against adjustment screw 95 at its opposite end. The

end adjacent control blade I0 is bifurcated to receive an insulating button 96 which serves to isolate the blade thermally and electrically from said blade. The opposite end is reduced in width "to fit into an aperture 9] in the control case where it engages the screw 95 which is accessible from the outside of the switch through hole 58 in the cover member 5|. A pin 94a in the fulcrum 94 is received in a hole 88a in the compensator to preventla'teral motion thereof across the control box ,50.

Referring now to Figs. 16 and 22 the thermomotive member II is shown to consist of a substantially straight control bimeta'l I2 and a heater element I3 of high temperature material such as p a nickel chrome iallo'y having a narrow section I00 which extends a greater portion of its length and an offset section 101 of substantial width. The 'bimetal II, the heater element I3, and the electrical contact I4 are welded together using a steel button I02 and a steel backing Ida on the contact I I to facilitate the welding. Disposed between the heater element I3 and bimetal I2 is an insulating medium 103 comprising a strip of asbestos I04 and a thin layer of mica I'05'a'djacent the heater element. The strip of asbestos I04 is of substantially greater thickness than the mica strip I05, providing the greater part of the heat storage and heat transmitting functions; the mica strip provides a hard smooth surface to facilitate any relative movement between the heater element and the insulating medium during the cyclic heating and cooling of the thermomotive member I I. Awrapping 106 of glass cord is placed around the heater I3, the insulating medium I03, and bimetal I2 to hold these members in fixed spaced relation.

A sleeve I01 made of heat resistant rubber is placed over the assembly of heater, tb'imetal, in-

sulating medium and glass cord wrapping chiefly 7 to control the overall heatstoragc capacity of the thermomotive member.

and '22. A projection I08 formed on the control case has an outer diameterof such dimension as to-accurately receive the control bimtal I2 through a hole provided therein. Concentrically isposed in sa-idvproj'ection is a hole to receive a rivet III which is provided for holding a terminal member I 1:2, the lower part of the heater It, an insulator strip 113, the bimetal 4.2, and an end of the thin flexible connector 52 onto the control case. The insulator strip '3 provides a preset andconstant separation between the roots of the heater strip and the control bimetal and in addition acts to electrically insulate-one from the other; It will be noted that the insulator strip c2 is interposed betweenthe head of the rivet I II and the mounting member to isolate these control members electrically from one another, and further that the thermomotive membe! H is prevented from sideward movement by '-b'eing placed in a recess formed in the rear of the switch case.

It should be noted that the adjustable blade iii and thermomotive member II are preferably placed i-n'one of the compartments adjacent the side of the switch, and that the blade cooperates with the controlcam surface that has the longest annular path. These factors contribute toward nicety and accuracy of control which result from the possibility of using a low deflection rate per degree of angular rotation of the control knob. Fig. 21 shows the program on cam surface 4. Section to corresponds to the off position of the switch wherein the "flexible mounting blade 85 biases the blade I0 so that its lanced portion 86 I rests therein, and its upper portion bears against an abutmentiltin the control case, thus providing a substantial clearance between contacts It and I5 (see Fig--16). Section 41) is shown with a uniform rate of rise and includes the simmer, and medium heats; section 4c has a steeper rate of rise, the medium high heat position being located approximately midway up the slope. In this particular embodiment, the slope provided in section '42) has a rate of .009" in 60 of cam rotation, while that for section 40 has a rate of .028 in 60 of cam rotation. The high heat position is on a straight planesurface 4d at the top of slope 40. When the control knob is moved to an on position, the top of blade I0 is forced away from abutment 1M and into engagement with contact I4 of the control thermostat II by the displacement provided through the lanoed portion 86. Under suchconditioning, the lower end of blade I 0 engages the button 96 on the compensator 88,-and the control cam surface 4 acts as a fulcrum permitting compensation intelligence to betransmitted to the top of blade I0. When the contacts separate as during cyclic heating and cooling of the thermomotive member II the blade I0, under the light bias and positioning effect of mounting member85, bears against the control cam surface 4 and compensator button 96. The compensator 83 is provided tokeep the wattage input to the heating unit, as selected by the user, substantially constant regardless of variation in the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the control switch. Thus an increase in temperature will result in movement of button 96 toward the right, as viewedin Fig. 16, the compensator being disposed with its high expansion side facing the rear of the switch case.

On-O17 blade 16 and pilot light blade 21 preferably of silicon "bearing copper alloy selected properties, as in the case of member 85.

.free ends thereof.

11 for its high conductivity and excellent spring It is fixed to the control case 50 by a rivet I20 which extends therethrough connecting to a terminal member IZI which is restrained from rotative movement by a drive screw I22. The blade I6 has welded to its free end contacts I I and I8 which are preferably of fine silver having a steel backing for projection welding to the blade, and

the blade is lanced at I23 to provide a cam engagement portion. In Fig. 19, the lanced portion bears against the bottom of a recess a which constitutes the off portion of camming surface 5. In this position contact I1 engages the stationary contact I9 welded to a bus member I24, and a substantial spacing is shown to exist between the shank of blade IE and the end of pilot blade 2| which is mounted directly below said switch blade.

This pilot blade, also of coppersilicon alloy, is shorter than blade I6 and is mounted to the switch case by a rivet I25 which 3 extends therethrough and connects to a terminal strip I26 nestled in a recess I2I in the back of the switch case.

When the control cam is moved to any of its on positions, i. e., any of the infinite number of angular positions of the control cam from its highest to its lowest setting, a surface 5b of control cam surface 5 provides an equal and discrete displacement to the lanced portion I23 of blade I5. This forces contact I8 into engage- -ment with stationary contact which has a body portion 20a for holding itself and a bus member I28 onto the control case when the end of said portion is riveted over. The bus member I28 (Figs. 11 and 18) extends laterally and downwardly at the inside back of the case and connects at its opposite end to the lower end of the latch controlled blade 22 by means of a rivet 'member I29 which holds both fast to the case. In the on position the blade I6 engages the top edge of pilot blade M. The line contact across the top edge of blade 2| and the shank of blade I6 is adequate for carrying the small wattage used in the pilot light circuit.

Blades 22 and 25 and Latch Control Thereof case where they engage the stationary contacts 33 and 34 mounted on bus member I24, but when latch restrained as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, they engage the stationary contacts 3I and 32. The terminal member I extends from the outside rear of the case, being provided with an extension I30a for being riveted over the base of blade 25 and for holding a flat barrier member I3I of insulating material in position. The blades are of silicon-copper alloy having steel-backed fine silver contacts 23, 24 and 26, 21 welded to the The stationary contact 3| acts as a rivet member connecting to a terminal member I32 on the outside rear of the switch, while the stationary contact 32 also acts as a rivet member to hold the switch member 36 fixed to the inside rear of the control case 50.

The latch member 30, as shown in Fig. 15, is molded from a phenol condensation product, as in the case of the control cam 60 or the switch case 50, and comprises the extension arms 28 and 29 which manipulate blades 22 and 25 respectively, the spherically-shaped cam engaging portion 30a, cylindrical projections I33 which comprise the pivotal mounting members, a prop engaging portion I34 and an arcuate portion I35 adjacent thereto. The cam engaging portion 30a. is manipulated through the cam projection 6a (Fig. 20) having sloped sides 6b which constitute the working surfaces of the control cam surfaces 6. The recessed surface 60 of saidcam surface is non-critical and is arranged so that latch 30 and blades 22 and 25 can travel unrestrained into engagement with contacts 33 and 34 a termination of flash. V V,

The latch member 30 is located in a rectangular slot I36 (see Figs. 11, 12 and 17) in the switch case having side walls I31 and I38 which prevent the latch from excessive lateral play and contain the square recesses I39 and I40 which serve as journals for the cylindrical projections I33 of said latch. The pivotal connection is completed by an extension I24a on the bus member I24 which was mentioned hereinbefore as having stationary contacts I9, 33 and 34 fixed thereto. This bus member is fixed onto the switch case by riveting over the end of a terminal member I4I which extends from the outside rear of said case. In its latch-in position or in the off position, the latch-engaging portion I34 projects beyond the rear of the switch case having the arcuate portion I35 extending over the end of the prop 35. When the control knob 9 is turned from the off position, the projection 6a on camming surface 5 rotates latch 30 about pivot I33 causing arcuate surface I35 to slide over the surface of the prop 35 until the surface I34 is reached, at which time the prop 35 falls into position under said surface. It should be noted that the prop 35 is not normally used to hold the latch in latched-in position when the control knob 9 is at its off position, it being propheld only after rotation of projection 6a out of the way of spherical surface 30a.

The prop 35 (Figs. '7, l2 and 13) is stamped from a bimetallic material having a high resistance high activity characteristic and is fixed to the rear of the switch case with its high expansion side facing the case." As mentioned previously, the prop is U-shaped having a leg I42 rigidly fastened under a rectangular bus member I43 by means of a rivet I44 and a longer leg I45 similarly fastened under the terminal member 93, being held by the rivet 89 and a drive screw I46. The base of each of the legs is enlarged to provide ample electrical contact with the terminal and bus members and for mechanical reasons. 7

The control case is'recessed at M1 to receive the prop 35 and is furtherprovided with a ramp formation at I48 which acts to prestress the bimetal sufficiently for it to be non-critical to ambient changes, and in addition acts to increase the inherent strength of the 'bimetal during Warpage. During the self-heating period, the prop finds itself under a compression load from the bias of the blades 22 and 25 and. a tangential load due to friction forces at the latch surface I34. The ramp formation I48, however, tends to increase the stability of the prop by increasing its inherent resistance to buckling, and

in addition changes the effective cantilever length of the prop thus increasing the inherent strength of the bimetal or its force output at the particular deflection.

The control case hasformed therein projections I49 to protect the latch 30 and prop 35, the height of the projections being sufficient to -.extend' beyond. the end of the prop 3.5. when 'heated by 'theisteady-state high heat current :under normal energization.

Switch member 36 (Figs. 17 and 23) 40a for accurately positioning the end of the inactive portion 41 and the flexible connector 42, a rivet and washer 36a being used for the securing means. The inactive portion 4! is prelierably made of silicon copper alloy having an extension 31 formed as a semi-cylindrical raised portion midwayalong the 'length'thereof and a contact 39 riveted at its free end. The extension 31 cooperates with a projection 1a on control cam surface I for forcing contact '39 into engagement with the stationary contact '38 when the control knob -9 is turned to the high heat position. At any other position of the control knob 9 the control cam race 1 does not force contact 39 into engagement with contact 38, but rather engagement is made by the self-flexing of the bimetallic portion" by current passing therethrough. "When it is neither forced nor flexed by self heating, the member 36 is biased against barrier I31.

It should be noted that the rear of the switch case below the switch member 36 is sloped as at I50 .to provide sufficient electrical clearance between the contacts 38 and 39 (during off conditioning of the control knob 9) While the contact member 38 is mounted at-the end of the short terminal member 143 in an opening in the'rear of the control case.

The flexible conductor 42, formed in the flat as a generally U-shaped memberfro-m fine silver, extends along the length of portion 41 and laterally between the compartments that house the switch member 35 and thermomoitive member II and is bent down in back of the .bimetal 1.2 ofsaid'thermomotlve member ll.v The lateral portion of .said conductor-is disposed behind barrier l3l-and into .a groove formedgin the partition between the compartments. From this position the conductor is bent back'over the 1 top of a ledge l52 -formedin the'case and thence afteranotherbend down inback of the bimetal l2, as mentioned above.

As disclosed thus far the preferred circuit (Figs. .1 to 5.) incorporates an arrangement whereby 100% input is provided by an auxiliary arrangement rather than through the main control contacts l4 and 15,. It is,however entirely feasible for the control device. to be built without the additional cam surface I andfprojection 31 on the switch member 36 and thuspermit the high heat position to be provided by energization through the main control contacts 14 and I5. The remaining functions as would be necessary during flash would 'be the same as hereinbefore described under heats less than high? Such a vmodification is shown schematicallyin'Fig. 24.

In an arrangement wherein the maincontrol contacts and I5 are used to obtain 100% input, it is necessary to design the thermostat so that (a) the contacts open to terminate the flash proximately of full normal wattage.

14 interval, (b subseque tly cooling er. the :thermomotive member H the contacts are-allowed to close-to provide normal current through the heating unit, and (c) the normal current established through the heater I3 is insufiizcient to cause the contacts to open. In practice it was found necessary in the high heat position to provide the adjustable blade 10 with a displace 'ment'that would require the thermomotive member II to receive an equivalent of 115% ofa continuously applied normal energization :rate before the contacts could possibly-open. This allows for wear on the contacts which would otherwise be-ev-ident as a loss in calibration, in-

sures proper energization at the high input,

.and correct length of flash interval.

In the preferred arrangement as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, current by-'-passes the control contacts M and I5 flowing through the heater 1.3, the -bimetal 1.2, the flexible connector 42, the switch member 36,, and the bimetal prop 35 .to' the supply line. The thermomotive member II is now designed so that the contacts break at a position .equi-valentto :a position thatssaid member would assume if it were energized continuously at ap- The flash time is of course arranged to be kept the same as with energization through the main control contacts, for it is specified by the heating unit characteristics.

.A'study of the thermostat characteristics shows that this preferred circuit arrangement permits more thermal mass to be associated with the control bimetal, thus lengthening the total time for a completefon-off cycle when the thermomotive member I l and adjustable blade l0 act as a wattage controller during normal operation (as discussed in my above-mentioned patent No. 2,623,137). I

By using bimetallic prop 35 in the circuit that by-passes contacts l4 and I5 it is possible to keep said bimetal sufficiently flexed throughout the conditioning of the switch in the high position that any attempt at reflashes is usually avoided- A reflash is an attempt to reenergize the heating unit at the highwattage of flash. Dangerous reflashes are normally prevented by the history heater effect of the thermomotive member as discussed in the aforementioned Patent No. 2,207,634 and Patent No. 2,648,755. If a reflash is attempted by going from high position to 01f position and back to high position, insufficient time will have elapsed for said prop to cool and to hold the blades 2-2 and 25 in the latched position. Even if the bimetallic prop is permitted to cool, the thermomotive member I i will not have had sufiieient time to cause engagement of the control contacts l4 and I5. Approximately a full minute must elapse before'flash can be reinstituted; thus reflashing which was not prevented by the continuously heated bimetallic prop will be delayed a time sufficient for the heating unit to be cooled below some safe maximum value.

If the operator turns the control knob from the high position through the ofi position to the simmer position the factthat the bimetallic prop prevents the resetting of a flash is of particular advantage. In the older designs there would be a prolonged dropping of subsequent load 43 before the 'thermomotive'member would cool to permit the control contacts to make for the first unit whether on flash or during'normal energization and whether or not the main control contacts ll and I are used for 100% energization. This ble connector 42 to the heating unit, while during run (see Fig. 5), (at positions other than high) current is not established through said bimetal.

By way of summary it should be mentioned that the switch member 36 in its circuit arrangement is considered to constitute a particularly novel application. In the off position of the control circuit it helps provide disconnect for the heating unit; at the inception of flash it acts to place the self-heating bimetallic prop across the main control contacts; during normal energizetion of the heating unit it acts to disconnect the bimetal prop from the main control contacts 14 and I5 without any mechanical manipulation from the latch member 30, while during high heat energization, by cooperating with the control cam it acts to place the heating unit directly across the supply line instead of across the main control contacts.

By way of specific example the following data is given with respect to an existing physical embodiment of the invention.

The main control bimetal I2 is of .030 material having a high expansion side of 72% manganese, 18% copper and nickel, a low expansion side of Invar, and a nickel layer between the high and low expansion side to increase the conductivity of the strip as a whole.

The heater I3 is of .005" material having an 80% nickel, 20% chromium content. The efiective length of the necked-down portion, which institutes the major amount of the heating effect. measures 1 and kg with a width of .096".

The compensating bimetal 88 is of .022" material having a high expansion side of 72% manganese, 18% copper and 10% nickel, with a low expansion side 0 Invar. Its width at the widest point is .340 with an eilective length of approximately 1 with a fulcrum at the widest point being located about h s" from the center of the insulating button 96.

The bimetallic material for prop is chosen from .025 stock of the same composition as the compensating bimetal 88. The width of the prop legs is 1 6" each.

The bimetallic material used for the active portion d0 of switch member 36 is similar to that used for prop member 35 and compensator 8B.

The thickness of material used is .005" having a total length of approximately 1 inch with an ef fective length of approximately at" and .191" width.

During the period of overenergization each section of the heating unit I draws approximately 10 amperes, the total current of 20 amperes being carried by the main contacts M and Hi. The current passing through the flexible connection 42 during this period is 10 amperes and this constitutes the actuating current for the active portion of switch member 35. Once the switch ,member moves to close contacts 38 and 39 the bimetallic prop 35 is placed in shunt across themain control contacts l4 and [5, receiving only a negligible amount of current until said main contacts are opened at the end of the period of overenergization. At this instant, l0 amperes of current flows through flexible connection 42 from one section of the heating unit, and 10 amperes of cur-- rent flow through the switch member 36 from the other section of the heating unit, thus passing a total of 20 amperes through the bimetallic prop 35.

During normal operation of the heating unit in high heat position, a total of approximately 5 amperes flows through the sections of the heating unit in series, through the heater l3, the connector 42, and the bimetallic prop 35. During normal energization at inputs less than 5 amperes will flow through the sections of the heating unit in series and through the heater I3 and the contacts l4 and I5,

It is to be understood that many changes could be made in the above construction and circuit-arrangement without departing from the scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, manually adjustable means for selecting a full range of inputs from some low value to a 100% input, means for effecting overenergization of said heating unit, control means in circuit with said heating unit for timing the interval of overenergization according to the adjustmentof said first means over a range which includes inputs less than 100% and 100% input, means for terminating the overenergization under control of said timing control means and for establishing normal operation of the heating unit, said timing control means being effective during normal operation of the heating unit to control the average rate of energization at inputs less than 100%, a switch arranged to connect the heating unit across the supply line independently of said timing control means for normal operation at 100% input, and means controlled by said manually adjustable means to close said switch when selection is made of 100% input.

2. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desiredaverage rate of energization, manually adjustable means for selecting a full range of inputs from some low value to a 100% input, means for efiecting overenergization of said heating unit, thermostatic control means in circuit with said heating unit and adjustable by said first means for timing the interval of overenergization according to the adjustment of said first means over a range which includes inputs less than 100% and 100% input, means for terminating the overenergization under control of said timing control means and for establishing normal operation of the heating unit, said timing control means being effective during normal operation of the heating unit to control the average rate of energization at inputs less than 100%, a switch arranged to connect the heating, unit across the supply line independently of said timing control means for normal operation at 100% input, and means controlled by said 1 7 manually adjustable means to close said switch when selection is made of 100% input.

3. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to'a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, manually adjustable means for selecting a full range of inputs from some low value to a 100% input, means for eifecting overenergization of said heating unit, control means for timing the interval of overenergization according to the adjustment of said first means over a range which includes inputs less than 100 and 100% input, means including a current-op erated thermomotive element for terminating the overenergization under control of said timing control means and for establishing normal operation of the heating unit, said timing control means being effective to control the average rate of energization at inputs less than 100%, a switch arranged to connect the heating unit across the supply line independently of said timing control means for normal operation at 100% input, and means controlled by said manually adjustable means to close said switch when selection is made of 100% input.

4. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, manually adjustable means for selecting a full range of inputs from some low value to 100% input, means for effecting overenergization of said heating unit, control means including a set of switch contacts for timingthe interval of overenergization according to the adjustment of said first means over a range which includes inputs less than 100% and 100% input, means for terminating the overenergization under control of said timing control means and for establishing normal operation of the heating unit, said last means including a currentoperated thermomotive element" arranged in shunt across said contacts so that upon opening of said contacts current will flow through said thermomotive element to terminate the period of overenergization, said timing control means'being effective to control the average rate of energization at inputs less than 100%, a switch in series with said thermomotive element across said con tacts, means controlled by said manually adjustable means to close said switch when selection is made of 100% input, current-operable thermomotive means for closing said switch independently of said manually adjustable means, and connections to include said thermomotive means in circuit only during overenergization of said heating unit, whereby to close said switch during overenergization oi the heating unit when said manually adjustable means is set for an input less than 100%.

5. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for efiecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, manually adjustable means for selecting a full range of inputs from some low value to 160% input, means for effecting overenergization of said heating unit, control means for timing the interval of overenergization according to the adjustment of said first means over a range which includes inputs less than and 100% input, said timing control means including a thermomotive member, a heater therefor and a set of contacts controlled thererby, means for terminating the overenergization under control of said timing control means and for establishing normal operation of the heating unit, said last means including a current-operated thermomotive element arranged in shunt across said contacts so that upon opening of said contacts current will flow through said thermomotive element to terminate the period of overenergization, said timing control means being effective to control the average rate of energization at inputs less than 100%, a switch in series with said thermomotive element across said contacts and also in series with said heater, means controlled by said manually adjustable means to close said switch when selection is made of 100% input, said heater being then continuously energized so that the associated-thermomotive member is flexed an amount sumcient to hold said contacts separated, current-operable thermomotive means for closing said switch independently of said manually adjustable means, and connections to include said thermomotive means in circuit only during overenergization of said heating unit, whereby to close said switch during overenergization of the heating unit when said manually adjustable means is set for an input less than 100%.

6. In a system for effecting overenergiaation of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, switch means and connections adapted to effect overenergization or normal operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, a manual member adjustable to different positions to select difierent average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different adjustments of said member, means operable by said manual member to initiate overenergization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and said connections, means controlled by said thermostatic switch to effect operation of said switch means at the end of a time interval dependent'on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thereby to terminate the overenergization of saidunit and to initiate normal energization of the unit, said thermostatic switch being effective to control the normal energizaticn of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate, a switch arranged to connect the heating unit across the supply line independently of said thermostatic switch for normal operation at the maximum rate of energization, and means controlled by said manual member to close the last-recited switch when said manual member is adjusted to select the maximum rate of energization,

'7. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, switch means and connections adapt-ed to effect overenergization or normal operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, a manual member adjustable to different positions to select different ing a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the difierent adjustments of said member, means operable by said manual member to initiate overenergization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and said connections, means controlled by said thermostatic switch to effect operation of said switch means at the end of a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thereby to terminate the overenergization of said unit and to initiate normal energization of the unit, said thermostatic switch remaining open under the influence of maximum normal current but being effective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate, a switch ar ranged to connect the heating unit across the supply line independently of said thermostatic switch for normal operation at the maximum rate of energization, and means controlled by said manual member to close the last-recited switch when said manual member is adjusted to select the maliimum rate of energization.

8. In a system for eflectmg overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation or the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, switch means and connections adapted to effect overenergization or normal operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, a manual member ad ustable to oiiierent positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit inclu ing a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different adjustments of said member, means operable by said manual member to initiate overencrgization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and said connections, means controlled by said thermostatic switch to effect operation of said switch means at the end of a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thereby to terminate the overenergization of said unit and to initiate normal energization of the unit, said last means including a currentoperable thermomotive element arranged in shunt with the contacts of said thermostatic switch so that opening of the contacts effects actuation of said element, said thermostatic switch remainmg open under the influence of maximum normal current but being eiiective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate, a switch in series with said thermomotive element for connecting the heating unit across the supply line independently of said thermostatic switch for normal operation at the maximum rate of energization, and means con trolled by said manual member to close the lastrecited switch when said manual member is adjusted to select the maximum rate of energization.

9. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at a desired average rate of energization, switch means and connections to effect overenergization or normal 7 operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, a manual member adjustable to different positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different adjustments of said member, means operable by said manual member to initiate overenergization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and said connections, means including a current-operable thermomotive element for effecting operation of said switch means to terminate overenergization of said unit and to initiate normal 0D- eration of the unit, a circuit branch in shunt with the contacts of said thermostatic switch and ineluding said thermomotive element, a control switch in said shunt branch, a second currentoperable thermomotive element arranged to be energized only during overenergization of said unit and to close said control switch, whereby said first thermomotive element is actuated upon the opening of the contacts of said thermostatic switch, the latter switch remaining open under the influence of maximum normal current but being effective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate, and means controlled by said manual member for maintaining said control switch closed when said manual member is in position for the maximum rate of energization, whereby to effect continuous normal energization of said unit independently of said thermostatic switch.

10. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of said unit at a desired average rate of energization, a plurality of movable contacts and associated stationary contacts forming two-position switch means, said movable contacts being biased to one position, circuit connections to effect normal energization of said unit when said movable contacts are in said one position and to effect overenergization of said unit when said movable contacts are in the other position, on-off switch means included in said circuit connections to render the system operable or inoperable, a manual control member having an off position and adjustable to different on positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, means operable by said manual member to actuate said on-off switch means, a pivoted latch member operable to move said movable contacts to said other position, means operable by said manual member when moved to its off position for actuating said latch member, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual continuous normal energization, of said unit when.

said manual member is in position for the maximum rate or energization.

11. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of said unit at a desired average rate of energization, a plurality of movable contacts and associated stationary contacts forming two-position switch means, said movable contacts being biased to one position, circuit connections to effect normal energization of saidv unit when said movable contacts are in said one position and to eifect overenergization of said unit when said movable contacts are in the other position, on-off switch means included in said circuitconnections to render the system operable or inoperable, a manual control member having an off position and adjustable to different on. positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, means operable by said manual, member to actuate said on-off switch means, a pivoted latch member operable to move said movable contacts to said other position, means operable by said manual member when moved to its off position for actuating said latch member, a current-operable thermostatic switch connectedin circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different on positions thereof, restraining means for said latch member controlled by said thermostatic switch to release the latch member at the end of a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thereby to terminate overenergization of said unit and to initiate normal energization of the unit, said thermostatic switch remaining open under the influence of maximum normal current but being effective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate, and means controlled by said manual member for effecting continuous normal energization of said unit independently of said thermostatic switch when said manual member is in position for the maximum rate of energization.

12. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of said unit at a desired average rate of energization, a plurality of movable contacts and associated stationary contacts forming two-position switch means, said movable contacts being biased to one position, circuit connections to effect normal energization of said unit when said movable contacts are in said one position and to effect overenergization of said unit when said movable contacts are in the other position, on-off switch means included in said circuit connections to render the system operable or inoperable, a manual control member having an off position and adjustableto different on positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal. energization of said unit, means operable by said manual member to actuate said on-ofi switch means, a pivoted latch f to, said other. position, means operable by said manualmember when moved to its off position for actuating said latch member, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different on posimeans for connecting said thermomotiverelement in shunt with the contacts of said thermostatic switch, whereby to effect actuation of said thermomotive element to release said latch member in response to opening of the contacts of said thermostatic switch. at the endof a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thusterminating overenergization of said unit, and initiating normal energization of the unit, c saidthermostatic switch remaining open under the influence of maximum normal current but being effective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization. less than the maximum rate, and means controlled by said manual member for maintaining energization of said unit through said, thermomotive element independently of said thermostatic switch when said manual member is in position for the maximum rate of energization.

13. In aosystem for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line toheat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of said unit at a desired average rate of energization, a plurality of movable contacts and associated stationary contacts forming two-position switch means, said movable contacts being biased to one position, circuit connections to effect normal energization of said unit when. said movable contacts are in said one position and, to effect overenergization of said unit when said movable contacts are in the other position, ,on-oif switch means included in said circuit connections to render the system operable or inoperable, a manual control member having an elf position and adjustable to different on positions to select different average rates of energization of said unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, means operable by said manual member to actuate said on-off switch means, a pivoted latch.

of said thermostatic switch and including said theromomotive element, a control switch in said shunt branch, a second current-operable thermomotive element arranged to be energized only during overenergization of said unit and to close said control switch, whereby said'first thermometive element is actuated to release said latch member in response to opening of the contacts of.

said thermostatic switch at the end of a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said,

thermostatic switch, thus terminating overenergization of said unit and initiating normal energization of the unit, said thermostatic switch remaining open under the influence of maximum normal current but being effective to control the normal energization oi said unit for all of the selectabie rates of energization less than the maximum rate, and means controlled by said manual member for maintaining said control switch closed when said manual member is in position for the maximum rate of energization, whereby to efiect continuous normal energization of said unit independently of said thermostatic switch.

14. In a system for eifecting overenergization and subsequent normal operation of an electrical heating unit, switch means and connections to effect overenergization or normal operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, manually-controllable means for initiating overenergization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and connections, control means in circuit with said unit for timing the period of overenergization and for controlling the normal energization of said unit, mean including a current-operable element for effecting operation of said switch means from the overenergization position upon energization of said element, a control switch for connecting said element in circuit with said control means for control by the latter, and current-operable thermomotive actuating means for said control switch included in circuit with said unit through said switch means only upon initiation of and during overenergization of said unit.

15. In a system for effecting overenergization and subsequent normal operation of an electrical heating unit, switch means and connections to efiect overenergization or normal operation of said unit according to the position of said switch means, manually-controllable means for initiating overenergization of said unit through the medium of said switch means and connections, a current-operable thermostatic switch in circuit with said unit for timing the period of overenergization and for controlling the normal energization of said unit, means including a current-operable element for effecting operation of said switch means from the overenergization position upon energization of said element, a control switch for connecting said element in shunt with the contacts of said thermostatic switch for control by the latter, and current-operable thermomotive actuating means for said control switch included in circuit with said unit through said switch means only upon initiation of and during overenergization of said unit.

16. In a system for over-energizing an electric heating unit for an interval to heat said unit rapidly, and for efiecting subsequent normal operation of the heating unit at some average wattage, means for terminating the period of overenergization, means for connecting said terminating means at the initiation of the interval of overenergization so that at the end of that interval said terminating means can be effective, said connecting means including a switch blade having a contact fixed at one end and a stationary contact cooperating therewith, said switch blade also including an active bimetallic portion having a free end and a fixed end and having a flexible connector attached to the free end thereof, arranged so that the current of overenergization can flow through said flexible connector to heat the bimetallic portion causing said contacts to engage and thus permitting current to flow through said contacts to the flash terminating means.

17. In a system for effecting overenergization and subsequent normal operation of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line, connections and switch means for effecting either overenergization or normal operation of the heating unit, thermostatic means for timing the period of overenergization and for controlling the Wattage input during normal operation, said means including a control bimetal, a heater therefor connected to the free end of the bimetal, a contact also affixed to the free end of the bimetal, an adjustable blade having a contact which cooperates with the aforementioned contact and is connected to the supply line, a self-heating bimetallic prop connected to the same side of the supply line for holding said switch means in position for establishing connections for overenergization, means for automatically connecting the bimetallic prop in circuit with said thermostatic means, the last-recited means including a member having an active bimetallic portion, a contact controlled thereby, a stationary contact cooperating with the latter contact and connected to the bimetallic prop, and a flexible connector fixed to said active portion at one end and at the other end to the base of said control binietal, the base of said member being connected to an end of the heating unit during overenergization but being disconnected therefrom during normal operation.

18. In a switch device for use in a system for eifecting overenergization and subsequent normal operation of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line, switch means for controlling connections to effect either overenergization or normal operation of the heating unit according to the position of said switch means, a thermostatic switch including a bimetallic control element fixed at one end and carrying a contact at its free end, a heater for said element connected to the free end thereof, and an adjustable blade carrying a contact cooperating with said first contact and connected to a terminal for connection to the supply line, means for latching said switch means in the overenergization position, said latching means including a currentoperable bimetallic latch element connected to said terminal, a switch including a movable element having an active bimetallic portion, a contact on said last-recited switch connected to said latch element, a connection between said movable element and said bimetallic control element, and a connection between said movable element and said switch means to effect circuit connection of the active bimetallic portion of said movable element only during overenergization of the heating unit.

19. In a system for effecting overenergization of an electrical heating unit from an electrical supply line to heat said unit rapidly to a selected temperature, and for effecting subsequent normal operation of said unit at a desired average rate of energization, a plurality of movable contacts and associated stationary contacts forming two-position switch means, said movable contacts being biased to one position, circuit connections to eifect normal energization of said unit when said movable contacts are in said one position and to effect overenergization of said unit when said movable contacts are in the other position, on-off switch means included in said circuit connections to render the system operable or inoperable, a manual control member having an off position and adjustable to different on positions to select different average rates of energization of said 25 unit including a maximum rate requiring continuous normal energization of said unit, means operable by said manual member to actuate said on-oif switch means, a pivoted-latch member 0perable to move said movable contacts to said other position, means operable by said manual member when moved to its off position for actuating said latch member, a current-operable thermostatic switch connected in circuit with said unit and variously adjustable by said manual member according to the different on positions thereof, and restraining means for said latch member controlled by said thermostatic switch to release the latch member at the end of a time interval dependent on the adjustment of said thermostatic switch, thereby to terminate overenergization of said unit and to initiate normal energization of the unit, said thermostatic switch being effective to control the normal energization of said unit for all of the selectable rates of energization less than the maximum rate but providing continuous normal energization of said unit when said manual member is in position for the maximum rate of energization.

WALTER I-I. VOGELSBERG.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,102,295 Thomson Dec. 14, 1937 2,207,634 Myers et al July 9, 1940 2,210,947 Myers et al. Aug. 13, 1940 2,213,993 Myers Sept. 10, 1940 2,215,404 Myers Sept. 17, 1940 2,327,925 Myers Aug. 24, 1943 2,357,225 Roesch et a1 Aug. 29, 1944 2,388,702 Pearce Nov. 13, 1945 2,409,414 Bletz Oct. 15, 1946 2,418,359 Link Apr. 1, 1947 2,434,467 McCormick ..1 Jan. 13, 1948 2,435,530 Candor Feb. 3, 1948 2,451,576 Pearce Oct. 19, 1948 

